HOLLYWOOD—This week’s leading men gold standard goes to three handsome and talented actors, two of which have been a regular favorite of mine, but one is really winning me over with his amazing and intuitive performance. Scott Clifton, who portrays Liam on “The Bold and the Beautiful;” Don Diamont, who portrays his father Bill Spencer on “B&B”; and Billy Miller, who portrays the spoiled but defiant scion Billy Abbott on “The Young and the Restless” are the three male performances this week that went the extra length to make them outstanding. Clifton has a great youthful energy that is mesmerizing, Diamont is nothing short of astounding and Miller has an unending amount of energy that the camera loves to shine on.
Scott Clifton has appeared on two ABC shows; “General Hospital” and “One Life to Live.” Though it’s his time on “B&B” that has really impressed me the most. Perhaps it is because he’s been working with such outstanding talent on the series? Whatever it is, it’s working. The handsome young actor never gives an easy or lazy performance, although he makes it seem effortless and second nature. Liam’s realization that Bill Spencer is his father has gone full circle. From initially hating the idea to now being proud to be a Spencer, the young actor has a lot of potential and so far he’s making all the right choices.
Don Diamont deserves an Emmy award®. No matter how many times I say that, it never changes. Diamont long ago figured out that to be handsome in Hollywood is one asset that gets you in the doorway. However, it’s the incredible work that he does on a daily basis that puts him in the category of Fonda, Gable and Grant. Don’s choices in his acting never leave you empty. Bill Spencer can only be played by this man; there is no other actor who embodies his multiple gifts that can replace him. Seeing Bill’s pride in son Liam this week, and coupled with Bill’s devious side are two separate yet equal emotions to be played. Don Diamont did it all and then some, leaving nothing to chance, he hit all of the acting high notes that any other actor would be envious watching him do so in such flawless fashion.
Billy Miller may play a spoiled brat, but he is far from being one himself. He’s a former Emmy® winner, who never stops getting better with time. His performance this week when Nick Newman defied him and demanded that he stop printing stories about Sharon Newman was exciting to watch. Miller calmly kept his high level of drama going strong throughout a number of scenes, then Billy had to explain to his wife Victoria, who happens to be Nick’s sister, that he has a magazine to run, and that his storytelling will continue as long as Sharon and the Newman clan have so many secrets that the public is hungry for. Fans are hungry for more scenes between Miller and his on-screen leading lady.
Photographs of Scott Clifton and Don Diamont by Gilles Toucas, Bell Phillip TV Productions and Billy Miller by John Paschal, JPI Studios© West Hollywood
